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Photo tour: The glory of a Galapagos cruise

Looking for a cruise that's filled with sightings of rare wildlife and natural wonders? Our new photo tour, in the carousel above, offers a glimpse at a much-ballyhooed option: A small-vessel visit to The

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Photo tour: The glory of a Galapagos cruise

The expansive white coral beach at Cerro Brujo is considered one of the most spectacular in the Galapagos. Its calm waters make it perfect for families with children. You can snorkel or kayak from the beach, or take a peaceful walk along the shore. (Photo: Joanne DiBona)

If you're lucky, you might have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph some of the Galapagos Island's famous birds, the blue-footed boobies, in the heat of a mating ritual. This action all takes place just feet away from your path. (Photo: Joanne DiBona)

Each island that makes up the Galapagos archipelago offers a different landscape. From tropical flora to desert terrains to austere lava formations, the topography of the islands is varied and stunning. (Photo: Joanne DiBona)

The pristine beach on the island of Floreana is home to a colony of sea turtles, as the soft white sand provides a perfect nesting place for their eggs. You can often spot rays and turtles swimming off shore in the shallow waters. (Photo: Joanne DiBona)

See conservation efforts at work at the Charles Darwin Research Station on the island of Santa Cruz. The venerable Diego, one of the center's oldest tortoises at over 100 years of age, has purportedly sired more than 2,000 hatchlings over his career. (Photo: Joanne DiBona)

Each island in the Galapagos archipelago has its own particular beauty. On the arid island of North Seymour, marvel at the giant Opunita cactus, which serves as food for the colorful land iguanas. (Photo: Joanne DiBona)

The elusive Galapagos short-eared owl is rarely seen on the islands, but if you are lucky to spot this species along your hiking path, you will have a perfect photo subject. These birds of prey have no fear of man and make willing photo models. (Photo: Joanne DiBona)

The picturesque town of Puerto Baquerizo Morena on the island of San Cristobal also serves as the capital of the Galapagos. Several cruise ship companies embark from here on ecotourism excursions around the islands. (Photo: Joanne DiBona)

The captivating Galapagos sea lion has no fear of humans, so you do need to watch your step as they often sprawl across your path. Government rules dictate you can't be closer than three feet to any of the species, a perfect distance for a great photo! (Photo: Joanne DiBona)

Ecotourism cruise passengers anticipate their landing on San Cristobal island, where they will view nesting colonies of frigatebirds and boobies from hiking trails with spectacular views over the island and harbor. (Photo: Joanne DiBona)

Seriously, if you are not watching your step, you can certainly trip over these docile Galapagos marine iguanas, as they love to spend their time luxuriating in the sun with no regard to the proximity of humans. (Photo: Joanne DiBona)

For the ultimate in romance, book a cruise around Leon Dormido, also known as "Kicker's Rock." This dramatic cathedral of tuff rises from the ocean off San Cristobal island and is home to a wide variety of sea birds . (Photo: Joanne DiBona)

One of the more dramatic mating rituals you will see on the Galapagos Islands is performed by the male Great Frigatebird. During the courtship display, the male inflates a huge leathery pouch below his throat to attract the female to his nest. (Photo: Tony DiBona)

Punta Suarez on the island of Espanola not only hosts an amazing variety of sea and land birds, but it also features a dramatic blowhole at the end of a trail that gushes some 80 feet through the cracks of the lava rock. (Photo: Tony DiBona)

You'll see this brightly-colored scavenger, the Sally Lightfoot crab, on every island on the Galapagos. How they got their name is still contested, but they certainly add their own colorful beauty to the rocks and shores along the islands. (Photo: Joanne DiBona)

The fact that the birds and mammals of the Galapagos have no fear of humans is what makes the experience of a visit here so amazing and unforgettable. These swallow-tailed gulls on South Plaza Island seemed to quite enjoy posing for the camera. (Photo: Joanne DiBona)

A visit to the island of Bartolome is like walking on the moon, as it is comprised of mostly lava rock. A view from the top of a once active volcano reveals the island and the famous "Pinnacle Rock," an eroded tuff cone. (Photo: Joanne DiBona)

In the tropical highlands of Santa Cruz island, you can marvel at the giant tortoise in a natural setting. You'll never forget the thrill of seeing a giant tortoise look you straight in the eye after a mud bath! (Photo: Joanne DiBona)

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If you're lucky, you might have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph some of the Galapagos Island's famous birds, the blue-footed boobies, in the heat of a mating ritual. This action all takes place just feet away from your path.(Photo: Joanne DiBona)

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Looking for a cruise that's filled with sightings of rare wildlife and natural wonders? Our new photo tour, in the carousel above, offers a glimpse at a much-ballyhooed option: A small-vessel visit to the Galapagos.

Created by travel journalist and scenic photographer Joanne DiBona, the tour features photos made during a March 2014 sailing of one of Galapagos-focused Ecoventura Cruises' four small expedition-style vessels.

Carrying 16 to 20 passengers, the four Ecoventura vessels offer seven-night sailings around the Galapagos starting every Sunday.